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HomeMy WebLinkAboutS. Intertie Phase 1 May 3-1996Q 38 DAMES & MOORE a | CHUGACH ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION, INC. SOUTHERN INTERTIE ROUTE SELECTION STUDY PHASE 1 May 3, 1996 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY REPORT FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: =» Tim R. Tetherow, ASLA = Randy Pollock, P.E. ™ Niklas O. Ranta = Tim Ostermeier, P.E. POWER ENGINEERS, INC. @ P.O. BOX 1066 @ HAILEY, IDAHO 83333 (208) 788-3456 @ FAX (208) 788-2082 DAMES & MOORE @ 5600 B STREET ® ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99518 - 1641 (907) 562-3366 @ FAX (907) 562-1297 SOUTHERN INTERTIE ROUTE SELECTION STUDY PHASE 1 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY REPORT May 3, 1996 TABLE OF CONTENTS SUMMATY 2... ccc eee e eee beeen eee eee Project Background and Need ...... 2... cece cece eee eee eee eeee Project Location .. 0.0... 6 cece ccc cece ene eee eee n eee eens Project Description Study Approach Study Area Inventory ...... 0... cee eee eee cece eee eeeeneeee BS) (0) (0) Geologic Hazards and Features ...... 2.0.02. e teens Marine Environment ...... 0.0.0.0 ccc cece e eee eee eeeeeneeee Land Use Resourcesisswcccememoanvar ones <0 96 R66 = 58a 6e se tieewitccee + omerees Recreation Management Areas and Facilities Socioeconomics Visual Resources Appendix A - Preliminary Overhead Structure Types LIST OF FIGURES 1) Vicinity Map 2.0.6... cece eee eee eee e eee e eee eens 2 Alternative Structure Types 1.2.0... . cee cece cece eee eee eee e eee enee 2a Alternative Structure Types ..... 00... . cece cece cece eee eee tee eee tenes 3 Environmental Study Approach Flow Chart ......... 2... cece cece eee eee eee 4 Altemative Comido!s: «.5oscceccnactiesemush os cess nrnaredsanssuuneseseas LIST OF TABLES 1 Design Characteristics of 138kV to 230KV ........ 00... cece eee eee eee eee ee 2 Alternative Base Route Analysis ...... 0.0... . cee cece eee eee eee eee ee eeeee 3 Bird Point - Quartz Creek alternative Analysis ............ 0000s cece eee eee eee 4 Public/Agency Issues and Concems:s 3.6206 cecnsneacsnanisecsesenesemensesewss RWW 00 060 CON) 11 11 11 12 13 16 UnANNUNN 10 17 ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY REPORT INTRODUCTION This summary presents the results of the environmental studies for the Southern Intertie Project. The purpose of the study is to identify alternative routes for a new transmission line between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. This work was performed under Chugach Contract #95-208 for Chugach Electric Association, Manager of the Southern Intertie Project for the Intertie Participants Group (IPG) by POWER Engineers and Dames & Moore. This summary provides an overview of the project background and need project description study approach environmental inventory siting criteria public involvement and agency contact program alternative route locations issues identified through the public and agency contact program analysis of alternative routes Project Background and Need The Railbelt system is a power grid that electrically connects south-central Alaska from Homer to Fairbanks. The railbelt service area is illustrated in Figure 1. There are three distinct regions—interior area, centered around Fairbanks; Anchorage and Matanuska Valley area; and Kenai Peninsula. Electrical generation and distribution within the Alaska Railbelt are currently provided by seven utility companies which comprise the IPG, also referred to as the Railbelt Utilities. Members of the IPG include Fairbanks Municipal Utility System, Golden Valley Electric Association, Matanuska Electric Association, Chugach Electric Association (CEA), Anchorage Municipal Light and Power, Homer Electric Association, and Seward Electric Association. The IPG was created to improve the electrical distribution network throughout the Alaska Railbelt and to provide better service to customers through cooperative energy projects. One of the weak links in the Railbelt electric system occurs between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. The existing 115 kilovolt (kV) Quartz Creek transmission line between Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula was built in 1960 to connect CEA's Cooper Lake Hydroelectric Project to Anchorage. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project near Homer was completed in 1990 and did not include additional transmission facilities to Anchorage. The existing 115kV transmission line does not have the capacity to carry all of the power currently generated on the Kenai Peninsula. As a result, the IPG is proposing the Southern Intertie Project to improve the reliability and transfer of energy between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. chugach\summary.xpt i} __ALASKA RAILBELT SERVICE AREA / a oo 4 NCHORAGE 7 . ££ e160; af i J a Yn, Pe Klas! 3 ; wr Pt. Woronzof = Substation a. Pd SQ University a Substation Fire istand Lf Turnagsin arm | International o > soldotna ea Substation gach National Forest =] — 7 (9 Southern Intertie Project 2 VICINITY MAP Figure 1 The Kenai Peninsula and the Anchorage Bowl are connected by the existing 115kV University to Quartz Creek transmission line owned and operated by CEA. The existing line is prone to outage, reducing power availability to customers in Anchorage and on the Kenai, and is limited in its capacity to transfer available generation between the Kenai and Anchorage. During periods when it is desirable to transfer power over the existing 115kV line to economically use existing generation, customers of the Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage are subject to power outages should the existing 115kV line experience an interruption. The proposed project will solve the existing problems by providing a second line to increase: = electrical transfer capability of the transmission system between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage to more economically use existing generation resources, reduce electrical system instability, and reduce system load shedding requirements in case of system disturbances = reliability of the power supply to customers on the Kenai Peninsula and in Anchorage by providing a second path for the power during an interruption of the existing Quartz Creek line In addition, the proposed project would provide better access to renewable energy resources (hydroelectric power at Bradley Lake) on the Kenai Peninsula. The Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project currently has excess power generation capacity which cannot be fully utilized with only the existing 115kV Quartz Creek Line between the Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage. The proposed Southern Intertie Project will provide more efficient distribution and transmission of electricity between the Kenai Peninsula and the rest of the Alaska Railbelt allowing Bradley Lake generation capacity to be utilized throughout the Alaska Railbelt without restrictions. Project Locati The Southern Intertie Project study area, located in south-central Alaska, initially included the alternatives identified in the preliminary feasibility study conducted in 1987. The initial study area encompassed the Anchorage Bowl, the northern third of the Kenai Peninsula, and the western side of Cook Inlet as shown in Figure 1. Due to the length of the Cook Inlet crossing (16 to 18 miles) and the hostile marine conditions, the construction of the line to Beluga was determined to be infeasible. The study area was modified to focus on alternative routes between the Soldotna and Bernice Lake substations on the Kenai Peninsula, and the Point Woronzof, International, and University substations in Anchorage. Project Descrinti The IPG is proposing to construct a new transmission line from either the Soldotna or Bernice Lake substations on the Kenai Peninsula to one of three existing substations in the Anchorage area (Point Woronzof, International, or University) as shown on Figure 1. A submarine cable system would be required to cross Turnagain Arm. Modifications may be required at the existing substations to accommodate termination facilities for the proposed line. Alternative voltages for the project include 138kV and 230kV transmission systems. The alternative 230kV overhead transmission line structures chugach\summary.rpt 3 would typically be less than 90 feet in height, except for localized areas where additional ground clearance is required (i.e., steep topography). The proposed right-of-way for new routes is 150 feet. Where the alternative routes parallel the existing transmission line or pipelines, the right-of-way width would vary. The actual right-of-way width has yet to be determined. Table 1 provides a description of the design characteristics for both the 138kV and 230kV configuration utilizing either single poles, wood H-frame structures and guyed X-frame structures (refer to Figures 2 and 2a for illustrations of these structure types). Appendix A contains detailed illustrations of the 138kV and 230kV preliminary designs for single pole and guyed X-frame structures. TABLE 1 DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS OF 138kV TO 230kV Tangent Structures Approximate IE J 80' to Kenai Flats ; " 85' to Kenai Flats Structure 85' to Fire Island 90' to Fire Island Height 90' to Mountain 90' to Mountain Terrain Terrain 350' to 450' | 600' to 800' 100' to 1,000' 350' to 450' Structures 775' to 150! Variable | 775' to 150’ 14 8 per Mile Reinforced Direct Reinforced Direct Foundations Concrete Embedded Driven Pile Concrete Embedded Right-of-way width for single-pole structures would vary, particularly in urban street edge locations in Anchorage, or along existing transmission lines north of Soldotna. Additional right-of-way requirements for H-Frame structures parallel to existing H-Frame structures along the Quartz Creek line would be 75 feet. Average 14 Number of Drive Pile Study Approach This study was designed to establish a foundation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the potential preparation of an environmental impact statement for the proposed Southem Intertie Project. Figure 3 illustrates the study approach and incorporates the anticipated NEPA study process required prior to the permitting and construction of the proposed project. The study process incorporates the draft system studies report, design report, lands/regulatory report, and economic report. A preferred alternative will not be identified until the NEPA study has been completed and a decision has been issued by the lead federal agency. chugach\summary.rpt 4 Typical 230kV Single Pole \ 950 — 400 ft. (flat terrain) Typical 230kV Steel X-Tower Figure 2 Typical 138kV Single Pole 6 Figure 2a Intertle System Studies Design Land Rights / Economic Participants Regulatory “Group Report Report ‘Analysis Report Te ec) Eerie Inventory : Corridors Se eeu) Draft Puc Pestle Corridor Prey aay bal foleitty Environmental Studies Public Involvement ate Cy Say Agency "P| ROR Poem wm meee Pen een ee eee ere n ena e nn ee nnn nme men en Public Open Public Houses ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY APPROACH FIGURE 3 Ground and aerial reconnaissance of the study area was initiated in early December 1995. Subsequently, existing data most pertinent to the identification of alternative corridors were compiled, mapped, and entered into a geographic information system. The mapped data were then analyzed to determine the sensitivity of the resources within the study area. Sensitivity is defined as a measure of probable adverse response of each resource to anticipated direct and indirect impacts associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Criteria used in the sensitivity analysis includes the value of the resource, protective status, and present and future use. Both opportunities and constraints were determined within the study area, and the results were used to identify alternative corridors feasible for further consideration and to indicate areas of potential environmental concern. STUDY AREA INVENTORY This section provides a summary of the inventory of environmental resources within the project study area. Resource inventory information was compiled through the review of existing agency management plans, previous studies conducted within the region, available geographic information system (GIS) maps, limited field visits and aerial photo interpretation. Digital resource inventory data were obtained from the following agencies: USFWS U.S. Forest Service Alaska Department of Natural Resources Municipality of Anchorage Kenai Peninsula Borough A regional environmental inventory was created through a combination of these data and other available sources. These data are currently in an Arc/Info format. The resulting map products are listed under each chugach\summary.rpt 7 resource study. Tables 2 and 3 provide a listing of the key siting issues and constraints identified along the alternative base routes. Biology An inventory was conducted for the vegetative and associated wildlife species, as well as any special status species that potentially occur in the study area. Biotic communities in the study area range from coastal tidal estuaries to alpine tundra communities. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine areas which offered opportunities for siting the proposed transmission line and those areas which need to be avoided due to the presence of sensitive features. The following maps were prepared: vegetation cover types area of major wetland concentrations bear habitat mountain goat and moose dall sheep and caribou habitat anadromous fish streams beluga whales and eagle habitat duck and goose concentration areas comprehensive swan data Geologic Hazards and Features An inventory of geologic hazards and features began with a review of the regional physiography and general geologic setting in the project area. This was followed by an investigation and evaluation of geologic features and phenomena which could adversely affect the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. These features were then analyzed to determine the potential effect on the proposed transmission line and whether their distribution was such that they could be avoided by appropriate corridor location or route alignment. The existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line has historically been subjected to frequent avalanches, continued maintenance due to frost heaving, and the potential for soil liquefaction. The following map was created: @ identified avalanche hazard areas Marine Envi A regional marine environment inventory was conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of marine communities to the construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. The inventory information was collected to describe the tidal and ice flow characteristics within Turnagain Arm and to provide information related to the feasibility of installing a submarine cable. chugach\summary.rpt 8 TABLE 2 ALTERNATIVE ROUTE ANALYSIS Route Tesoro Links TE.A.10, TE.D.40, TE.E.50, TE.G-H.80, TE.G-H.90, TE.I.100, TE.J-K.110, TE.J-K.120, Total Miles 55.1 Enstar Links EN.A.20, EN.A.50, EN.B.80, EN.C.90, EN.D.100, EN.E.110, QCM. 1.30, QC.M.1.70, QC.M.1.80 Total Miles 76.6 Quartz Creek Links QC.A.10, QC.B.20, QC.C.30, QC.D.40, QC.E.50, QC.F.60, QC.G.70, QC.H.80, QC.1.90, QC.J.100, QC.K.110, QC.L.120, QCM.1.15, QCM.1.30, QCM.1.70, QCM.1.80 Total Miles 140.7 Siting Opportunities Existing Tesoro Pipeline Existing Enstar Pipeline Existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line Key Siting Issues and Constraints Biological = Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan nests = Waterfowl nesting habitat Jurisdiction = Adjacent to KNWR at Point Possession = State, Native Corporation and Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics = Remote residential subdivisions north of Captain Cook SRA = Adjacent lakes open to aircraft Recreation = Adjacent to KNWR wilderness area at Point Possession, recreation access into KNWR = Captain Cook SRA and associated use areas and trails ™ Swanson River access Visual Resources = Foreground views from remote residences and Captain] Cook SRA = Unique features include Point Possession, Stormy Lake, views across Cook Inlet Cultural Resources = Recorded sites at Swanson River and traditional use on Fire Island ® Sensitive coastal area = Known sites at Point Possession Biological = Trumpeter Swan and Waterfowl nesting habitat @ Black and Brown bear concentrations = Coastal marsh habitat (Chickaloon Bay) Jurisdiction = USFWS, Chugach State Park, Municipality of Anchorage and the Kenai Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics = Rural residential areas in Soldotna = Urban Anchorage area, Oceanview Subdivision = Adjacent airstrips, lakes open to aircraft Recreation = KNWR minimal (EN.D.100) and moderate (EN.D.110) management areas = Potter Marsh (EN.B.70, EN.B.80) = Potter Section House in Chugach State Park Visual Resources = KNWR area managed for preservation values = Oceanview subdivision and park foreground views = Unique features include: Potter Marsh scenic and wildlife viewing, Potter Section House, views into Turnagain Arm Cultural Resources = Historic sites near Potter Marsh, sensitive coastal areas Regulatory Requirements Recommendations = Land Water Conservation Fund = Coastal Management Plan = Federal Aviation Administration = Municipality of Anchorage = Section 404 Biological Bald Eagle and Trumpeter Swan Nesting habitat Coastal marsh and waterfowl concentration areas Anadromous fish streams (Kenai River near Cooper Landing) Dall sheep and mountain goat habitat Moose fall and winter range Geologic Hazards = Known avalanche areas = Potential soil liquefaction (Portage) Jurisdiction = KNWR (including adjacent wilderness areas), Chugach National Forest, Chugach State Park, Municipality of Anchorage, and Kenai Borough Land Use/Socioeconomics = Primarily rural residential development along Seward highway corridor = Seward Highway National Scenic Byway = The Alaska Railroad Recreation = High density of recreational features along Seward Highway (viewpoints and trail access) = Chugach State Park Natural Management Area = Crosses Kenai Lake and River = Adjacent to proposed Bird Point recreation site Visual Resources = Scenic resources in Chugach State Park managed for preservation values = Retention and Partial Retention VQO in Chugach National Forest = Foreground views from scenic vistas, pullouts, recreation access point, and campgrounds . Unique features include Kenai River, Turnagain Pass, Portage area, Turnagain Arm, and Chugach Mountains. Cultural Resources = Concentration of known sites along Turnagain Arm, prehistoric sites near confluence of Russian and Kenai rivers = Parallels Historic Iditarod Trail = Land Water Conservation Fund compliance along Kenai River = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Minimize separation from Tesoro Pipeline = Parallel east side of the Tesoro Pipeline from Captain Cook SRA to the KNWR boundary, where the line would cross the Tesoro Pipeline and enter Cook Inlet, avoiding the KNWR = Minimize vegetation clearing = Underground line and transition facilities at Captain Cook SRA, or reroute utilizing Link TE.1.130 to avoic Captain Cook SRA = Minimize separation from Enstar Pipeline = Minimize vegetation clearing = Underground line in Potter Marsh area and near Chickaloon Bay and transition facilities at Link EN.D.10G and Link EN.B.80 = Evaluate visual impacts to Oceanview area and possible underground of EN.A.50 = Match transmission structure types and spans when paralleling existing H-Frame transmission line Minimize vegetation clearing = Utilize single pole structures within Anchorage (QC.A.10 along Tudor Road) and Soldotna (QCM.1.80) TABLE 3 BIRD POINT - QUARTZ CREEK ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS Route Existing Quartz Creek Bird Point Aerial Crossing Bird Point Submarine Crossing Links QC.D.40, QC.E.50, QC.F.60, QC.G.70. QC.H.80, QC.D1IA.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D1A.10 QC.D.2.10 QC.D1B.10 QC.D.2.10 13.7 QC.I.90 Total Miles 38.8 Total Miles 12.6 (10,500 feet) Total Miles 13.7 (19,500 feet) Siting Existing Quartz Creek Transmission Line Narrowest Crossing of Turnagain Arm Narrowest Crossing of Turnagain Arm Opportunities Key Siting Issues Biological = Coastal Marsh Habitat = Bald Eagle Nests @ Waterfowl concentration and migration corridor Geological Hazards = Known avalanche areas = Potential soil liquefaction (Portage) Jurisdiction = Chugach State Park = Chugach National Forest Land Use/Socioeconomics = Mixed use development at Girdwood and Portage = The Alaska Railroad Recreation = Multiple adjacent recreation facilities including recreational view point, trail heads, rest areas, access road to Portage Glacier Visual Resources = Foreground views from Seward Highway Scenic Byway and related view points Cultural Resources ® Known sites along Seward Highway, Portage area = Parallels Historic Iditarod Trail Biological = Bald Eagle nesting (Sixmile) = Anadromous fish stream = Moose fall/winter habitat Jurisdiction = Chugach State Park, Chugach National Forest = Crossing Conservation Easement along Sixmile Creek Land Use/Socioeconomics = Seward Highway Scenic Byway, rural residential residences along Sixmile Creek Recreation = Proposed Bird Point recreation area, Sixmile Creek = Recreational trails and facilities along Sixmile Creek Visual Resources = Foreground views from Bird Point across the Turnagain Arm = Unique features include Bird Point, Sixmile Creek Valley, Alpenglow Mountain = Aerial crossing (530 feet, the height of a 50-story building) will dominate the landscape within a two-mile distance and would overwhelm views from Bird Point, and from selected locations along the Hope Highway ® Significant night lighting impacts Cultural Resources = Recorded sites in the vicinity of Sun Rise and Bird Point = Parallels a connecting trail to the Historic Iditarod Trail Regulatory Requirements Recommendations = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Aerial crossing will create an FAA Hazard Determination Biological = Bald Eagle nesting (Sixmile) = Waterfowl concentration and migration corridor = Anadromous fish stream = Moose fall/winter habitat Jurisdiction ®™ Chugach State Park = Chugach National Forest Land Use/Socioeconomics = Seward Highway Scenic Byway, rural residential residences along Sixmile Creek Recreation = Proposed Bird Point recreation area, Sixmile Creek = Recreational trails and facilities along Sixmile Creek Visual Resources = Foreground views from Bird Point across the Turnagain Arm = Unique features include Bird Point, Sixmile Creek Valley, Alpenglow Mountain Cultural Resources = Recorded sites in the vicinity of Sun Rise and Bird Point = Parallels a connecting trail to the Historic Iditarod Trail = Chugach National Forest Special Use Permit = Match spans and structure types of existing line Not feasible due to FAA hazards and unacceptable visual impacts = Underground transition facilities at Bird Point and Sunrise for the submarine crossing Land Use Resources A regional land use inventory and analysis were conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of identified land uses to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Information regarding land jurisdiction and ownership, existing land uses, transportation, and existing utilities were collected and analyzed within the study area. The alternative corridors cross a variety of land uses ranging from highly urbanized areas (Anchorage) to limited development on the Kenai Peninsula. Land uses within the alternative corridors are primarily residential in nature with limited amounts of industry in Anchorage and near Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula. The following maps were created: @ jurisdiction/ownership (study area and Anchorage) = land use (study area and Anchorage) R co i Faciliti The regional recreation inventory and analysis were conducted to assess the potential sensitivity of identified recreation uses to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. Inventory information was collected for recreational facilities such as trails and campgrounds and special management areas including wildemess areas. Recreational opportunities within and adjacent to the alternative corridors vary from developed urban parks to federally designated wilderness areas. The study area incorporates recreational opportunities closely related to tourism both in the Anchorage Bowl and on the Kenai Peninsula. The following maps were created: ™ recreation facilities ™ recreation management areas Soci : An inventory of the social and economic characteristics of the study area was conducted to determine the sensitivity of the socioeconomic resource to the proposed project. Inventory information included demographic and economic data and a characterization of the communities in the study area. The nature of the communities within the study area varies significantly, depending on the access, density and nature of development, and the characteristics of the surroundings. The study area falls within the jurisdiction of two major municipal governments—Kenai Peninsula Borough and the Municipality of Anchorage. Visual Resources The study area encompasses a region in south-central Alaska of nationally significant scenic resources primarily under state and federal management. Visual resources were identified as the primary issue for the project by the land-management agencies contacted, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, and the Municipality of Anchorage. The management and maintenance of visual resources, including the natural scenic quality of the landscape and panoramic views in the region, are one of the primary objectives of these agencies. chugachiwummary pt 11 The visual resource inventory includes the following: overview of the landscape character of the region visual management areas within the study area visual influence of recreation areas within alternative corridors visually sensitive residential and urban areas within alternative corridors The following maps were created: visual management areas visual influence of recreation facilities visually sensitive residential and urban areas visual influence recreation facilities (study area and Anchorage) Cultural Resources The cultural resource inventory and analysis investigated and evaluated prehistoric, ethnohistoric, and historic sites, buildings, structures, districts and objects. Major cultural resources that represent the most serious conflict with the alternative transmission line corridors were identified. The cultural resources inventory was used to develop an informal sensitivity analysis that could be used in future stages of project planning and implementation. This investigation provides a basis for identifying known sensitive locations, as well as some areas where other significant cultural resources can be expected. Siting Criteria This section describes the environmental criteria established for route selection. Resources and features inventoried within the study area were evaluated to identify opportunities and constraints for selecting alternative routes. Siting criteria include consideration of the following: = Resource Value—A measure of rarity, high intrinsic worth, singularity or diversity of a resource within the area. = Protective Status—A measure of the formal concern expressed for a resource either through legal protection or by assignment of special status designation. = Present and Future Use—A measure of the level of conflict based in land management policies and/or use. With consideration of the above criteria, the data gathered in the inventory were evaluated and given a relative sensitivity level associated with the introduction of a 138kV or 230kV transmission line. Four levels were used for this analysis: = Exclusion—Areas determined to be unsuitable because of unique, highly valued, complex or legally protected resources; potentially significant conflict with current or planned use; areas chugach\summary.rpt 12 posing substantial hazards to construction and operation of the line. Only designated wilderness areas were identified for exclusion. Major—Areas determined to be less suitable because of unique, valued, or legally protected resources and some potential conflict with use; or areas posing some hazards to construction and operation of the transmission line. Moderate—Areas which could potentially conflict with the transmission line because of sensitive resource values; resources proposed or have potential for special status designation. Low—Areas where resource conflicts identified through the regional environmental study are minimal or would have no measurable environmental impact. i iveR I : The first step in identifying alternatives was to locate alternative corridors based on the study area inventory and siting criteria. Route locations were then identified within alternative corridors. Three primary alternative corridors were identified for the Southern Intertie Project—Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek (Figure 4). These corridors generally follow existing linear features on the Kenai Peninsula. Specific routing opportunities within the Anchorage Bowl and Soldotna areas primarily utilize existing and proposed utility corridors and road rights-of-way. Submarine crossings of the Turnagain Arm would occur along the Tesoro and Enstar alternatives. Transmission line routing opportunities within these corridors were identified as follows. The Tesoro Route generally parallels the Tesoro Pipeline from the town of Nikiski on the Kenai Peninsula to Point Possession. Submarine crossings would occur between Point Possession and Fire Island, and between Fire Island and Point Woronzof. In addition, the following facilities or modifications to existing facilities would be required: submarine transition stations at Point Woronzof, the north and south end of Fire Island, and at Point Possession requiring approximately one acre each reactive compensation stations at Point Woronzof and Point Possession utilizing approximately one acre each overhead to underground transition stations at the north and south end of Captain Cook State Recreation Area . guyed X-Frame structures for all overhead line construction modifications to the Point Woronzof and Bernice Lake substations to accommodate additional termination structures ranging in size from 1 to 1.5 acres chugact\summary.zpt 13 = The Enstar Route generally parallels the Enstar Pipeline from Soldotna to Anchorage, including a submarine crossing between Burnt Island and Potter. The following additional facilities and modifications to facilities will also be required: - submarine transition stations near the Potter Section House and near Burnt Island utilizing approximately 0.1 acre - reactive compensation stations near Rabbit Creek in Anchorage and Near Big Indian Creek on the Kenai Peninsula requiring approximately one acre each - underground submarine cable to underground cable transition stations - guyed X-Frame structures for overhead lines in rural areas; single-pole structures could be utilized within Anchorage and Soldotna - modifications to the International and Soldotna substations to accommodate additional terminations structures ranging in size from 0.25 to 0.5 acre = The Quartz Creek Route generally parallels the existing Quartz Creek transmission line from Soldotna to Anchorage without a submarine crossing. Additional facilities and modifications required along this route include: - reactive compensation station near Portage at the head of Turnagain Arm requiring approximately one acre - wooden H-Frame structures adjacent to the existing line, in limited sections within Anchorage and Soldotna, single-pole structures would be used - modifications to the University and Soldotna substations to accommodate additional termination structures An alternative to the Quartz Creek Route described above would consist of crossing Tumagain Arm between Bird Point and Snipers Point with submarine or underground cable or a special overhead crossing. In addition to the primary Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek corridors, several local routing opportunities have been identified within the larger corridor areas at selective locations. These local alternatives were developed to provide a variety of transmission line placement options within or near sensitive areas (urban and rural areas, areas sensitive to visual intrusion, and recreation sites). Local alternatives were identified within the Anchorage Bowl (Local Anchorage Area Alternatives) and Soldotna (Local Alternatives to the Enstar and Quartz Creek Routes), the area surrounding Captain Cook SRA (Local Alternatives to the Tesoro Route), and Tumagain Arm crossing near Bird Point (Local Alternatives to the Quartz Creek Route). In addition, local alternative submarine crossings were identified at the points chagach\summary spt 14 TI4Nn TRN TION TEN T6N T4N RoW Ritw |] State Park |__| National Wildlife Refuge [2] Chugach National Forest |__| Private, Borough or State Selected Lands fifo 3 d vg <= § Riw RIE R3E S ai, General Reference Features fi ‘) OA Pipeline /V/ Corridor ! /\/ Transmission Line // Alternative Route ZS Railroad AN#0 Link Number Code \ “<é Borough Boundary & Existing HO RAGE /\/ _ Rivers and Streams substations i A Oil Platform (J Lakes/inlet i Alternative Corridors Southern Intertie Project Proposed Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula Transmission Line Nett NZI NOLL N@L NOL Nel Figure 4 where the Tesoro and Enstar pipelines cross Turnagain Arm and are included as local alternatives to the respective routes. Public Involvement and Agency Contact Program A public and agency scoping program was initiated to inform the general public and management agencies about the project and to solicit comments. Comments received during the public involvement phase of the project aided in the identification of issues and concerns related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed transmission line. The issues and concerms were utilized to identify and evaluate siting criteria for the identification of alternative corridors. Table 4 provides a list of the issues and concerns identified relative to the proposed project. Newsletters and news releases were also distributed to local radio and television stations in the Anchorage and Kenai areas providing general information on the project and announcing the two public meetings which were held in Anchorage and Soldotna on January 31, 1996 and February 1, 1996, respectively. Approximately 32 individuals attended the Anchorage public meeting at the Loussac Library, and approximately 14 individuals attended the Soldotna public meeting at the Kenai Borough Chambers. \ iveR Analysi The analysis of alternative routes incorporate the following: siting opportunities key siting issues and constraints regulatory requirements recommendations Table 2 provides an analysis of the Tesoro, Enstar, and Quartz Creek alternatives and Table 3 addresses the Bird Creek alternatives. There are significant environmental issues and constraints associated with each alternative. The aerial crossing at Bird Point does not appear to be feasible due to unacceptable visual impacts Federal Aviation Administration hazards criteria. The remainder of these routes would provide the foundation for the anticipated NEPA process. The results of the study process, including the inventory, siting criteria alternatives analysis, and public and agency contact, will provide a foundation for initiating the scoping process for the Southern Intertie Project under NEPA. chugach\summary.rpt 16 TABLE 4 PUBLIC/AGENCY ISSUES AND CONCERNS = brown bear habitat ™ moose rutting winter range = spruce bark beetle infestations = anadromous and fresh water fish @ preservation wetlands = known or suspected raptor nesting, roosting, staging, or feeding sites = Chickaloon Flats migration area = caribou calving and wintering grounds = incompatible with Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR) purpose Geologic Hazards = avalanche danger Marine Environment = anadromous and marine fish habitat = coastal wetlands Land Use/Jurisdiction = consistency with existing corridors/easements = right-of-way expansion within existing corridors = residential areas = existing right-of-way within Anchorage, particularly in residential areas = aviation safety, private airstrips = utility corridor at west edge of refuge = focus on existing infrastructure = Potter state wildlife refuge = decrease in property values = use of existing right-of-way = limit public access to transmission line route Recreation Management Areas and Facilities ™ recreation and visual resource management in Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest = wilderness management and visual resources in KNWR = Captain Cook State Recreation Area (SRA) resources ™ recreational tourism resources along Seward Highway = recreational tourism resources in Hope/Sunrise = recreational tourism resources in Turnagain Arm = park and open space in Anchorage area = visual resource management of scenery on public lands = recreation views = highway views = residential views Socioeconomics = tourism/recreation = project justification = local firms to provide engineering, construction, and project support = cost to rate payers in railbelt = costs for each installation type = installation cost of overhead line versus submarine chugach\ummary «pt Me APPENDIX A PRELIMINARY OVERHEAD STRUCTURE TYPES = a oO mM N a oO re oo | <= & aL > be oO t oO ~ 65'-0" (TYPICAL FOR 138kV) THIS DRAWING wes PREPAREC By POMER| ENGINEERS. INC. FOR & SPECIFIC PROJECT. TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE SPECIFIC AND UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROUECT.| REUSE OF THIS DRAWING OR ANY Inf ORT 10H COcTAINED IN THIS ORAWIN FOR aw PURPOSE 15 PenaiS)TED UMLESS WRITTEN PERAISS Ce ° Powe END POMER'S CLIENT 1S caantto. SCALE: = NTS GROWER 3940 GLENBROOK DRIVE Warley. 1DaHO 83333 0°-3° TANGENT STRUCTURE FOR 138kV OR 230kV PRELIMINARY DESIGN JOB NUMBER 120293 DRAWING NO. (TYPICAL ) inane eee ae SOUTHERN _INTERTIE PROJECT sera 9 Me ro 2 OR DOMER 15°=60° LARGE ANGLE STRUCTURE ons [A comands a eS reas fer erence : 3940 GLENBROOK ORI VE FOR 138kV OR 230kV 15 PROMIBITED UMLESS WRITTEN PERMISSION Fon BoM SOAR SHO SORE cee Tec PRELIMINARY DESIGN GRANTED. ‘S-FEB-1996 15:00 (TYPICAL ) eee as SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT sine mance, 0 a. 2 GR DIU 0°=90° DOUBLE DEADEND STRUCTURE | orasine nosh eee eee sues ws | Ge cram mnie FOR 138kV OR 230KV iM coer Tr ee Eee PRELIMINARY DESIGN S-FEE-1996 14258 {hofsz.151[22sip0nd.a9n | PRELIMINARY TWR HT BO ft. WW tt ie [eo APPROX. 45’ 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED * ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE NAME: _GVINO?: 1 38TANX.OWG SCALE: 1: 250 IDRYDen ILalRue, lnc. SOUTHERN INTERTIE a consutnnG / ENGINEERS TANGENT -X DATE: 01/19/96 138 kV 138 kV DESIGNED BY: DRB 1 of 1 DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL TANGENT X-TOWER PRELIMINARY o a b ae) ae = f= TST vr TTS Tiel STS APPROX. 45° 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED * ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE NAME: _GVINO1: TANGENTX.OWG IDeYDen i ILalRue, lnc. SOUTHERN INTERTIE CONSULTING i ENGINEERS DATE: 01/19/96 DESIGNED BY: ORB 230 kV DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL TANGENT X-TOWER SCALE: _1:250 DRAWING NO. TANGENT ~-X PRELIMINARY TWR HT 85 ft. TRS SS TIS APPROX. 45’ 2 FOUNDATIONS AND 2 ANCHORS REQUIRED * ALL DIMENSIONS ARE APPROXIMATE FILE NAME: _GVINO1: LONGSPAN DWG SCALE: _1:250 Devoen ¢ lLalRug, linc. SOUTHERN INTERTIE Men CONSULTING / ENGINEERS LONG SPAN DATE: 01/19/96 230 kV i DESIGNED BY: ORB DRAWN BY: RAE TYPICAL LONG SPAN TANGENT X-TOWER 120’ TO 165' SOUTHERN INTERTIE PROJECT} °° ER 120293 DRAWING NO. |REV OHS | AA 0°-10° DOUBLE CIRCUIT DEADEND STRUCTURE PRELIMINARY DESIGN NUMB!